Pass-through assembly having an anchor member and a cover

ABSTRACT

Anchoring an input cable ( 190 ) at an input port ( 123, 223 ) of an enclosure ( 110 ) includes inserting the input cable ( 190 ) through an anchor member ( 151, 251 ) so that a cable jacket ( 191 ) terminates within the anchor member ( 151, 251 ) and at least one optical fiber ( 195 ) extends outwardly from the anchor member ( 151, 251 ). The anchor member ( 151, 251 ) is secured to the cable jacket ( 191 ) using the sheath ( 175 ). A cover ( 162, 260 ) is mounted to the anchor member ( 151, 251 ) to form a pass-through assembly ( 150, 250 ) defining an enclosed region. Material is injected into the enclosed region to fix strength members ( 197 ) and/or optical fibers ( 195 ) of the input cable ( 190 ) to the pass-through assembly ( 150, 250 ). The ruggedized pass-through assembly ( 150, 250 ) is disposed at a base ( 120, 220 ) of the enclosure ( 110 ).

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application is a Continuation of U.S. patent application Ser. No.16/362,968, filed on Mar. 25, 2019, now U.S. Pat. No. 10,901,164, whichis a Continuation of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 15/821,438 filedon Nov. 22, 2017, now U.S. Pat. No. 10,241,289, which is a Continuationof U.S. patent application Ser. No. 14/913,899 filed on Feb. 23, 2016,now U.S. Pat. No. 9,829,668, which is a National Stage ofPCT/EP2014/068008 filed on Aug. 25, 2014, which claims the benefit ofU.S. Provisional Application No. 61/869,363 filed on Aug. 23, 2013 andwhich applications are incorporated herein by reference. To the extentappropriate, a claim of priority is made to each of the above disclosedapplications.

BACKGROUND

Expansion of fiber optic based telecommunication service is beingextended to greater diversity of businesses and homes. Many of theseextensions of service within neighborhoods, industrial parks andbusiness developments utilize optical fiber distribution cables laidwithin buried conduit. Such optical fiber distribution cables mightextend from a larger fiber distribution terminal or pedestal to asmaller fiber access terminal directly adjacent the business or home towhich service may be provided. From the fiber access terminal to thehome or business, a fiber drop cable may connect to the home orbusiness.

Currently, when fiber optic cables are extended from a fiberdistribution terminal to a fiber access terminal, a variety oftechniques are available for sealing and anchoring the cables relativeto the fiber access terminal. It is desirable to provide sealing andanchoring configurations that are secure, reliable, and cost effective.

SUMMARY

In accordance with some aspects, an example method of anchoring an inputcable at an input port of an enclosure includes sliding ashape-recoverable (e.g., heat shrink) sheath over a cable; sliding ananchor member over a cable so that a jacket of the cable terminateswithin the anchor member and optical fibers of the cable extendoutwardly from the anchor member; sealing the anchor member relative tothe cable jacket using the shape-recoverable sheath; mounting a cover tothe anchor member to form a pass-through assembly defining an enclosedregion within which strength members of the cable are disposed; andinjecting adhesive material into the enclosed region to fix the strengthmembers to the pass-through assembly.

In certain implementations, the sheath is shrunk over the sleeve and thejacket using a heat gun or other heat source. In certainimplementations, resin, epoxy, or some other adhesive is injected intothe enclosed region.

In some implementations, a threaded section of the pass-through assemblyis inserted into an enclosure through a cable port so that a retentionflange abuts an exterior of the enclosure at the cable port. A nut istightened on the threaded section to secure the pass-through assembly tothe enclosure. In certain examples, a seal such as a gasket (e.g., anelastomeric O-ring) can be provided between the retention flange and theexterior of the enclosure to inhibit ingress of water, dirt, or othercontaminants through the cable port. In other implementations, theanchor member is monolithically formed with a base of the enclosure.

In accordance with other aspects, an example pass-through assemblyincludes an anchor member and a cover. The anchor member includes asleeve at a first end and a fanout section at a second end. The anchormember defines a longitudinal passage extending therethrough. The coveris configured to mount to the fanout section of the anchor member tocover an open channel of the fanout section to form a potting region.The cover defines an injection port through which potting material canenter the potting region. The cover also is configured to separateoptical fibers of the optical fiber cable as the optical fibers extendoutwardly from the potting region.

In accordance with other aspects, an enclosure includes a housingdefining an interior accessible through an open bottom; a baseconfigured to mount to the housing at the open bottom to form anenclosure; a management frame configured to couple to a top of the base;and a cover configured to mount to the enclosure. The base has aplatform that defines multiple output ports. The management frameextends into the interior of the housing when the base is mounted to thehousing. The cover is movable relative to the enclosure to a firstposition allowing access to the output ports from the exterior of theenclosure and a second position where the cover inhibits access to theoutput ports from an exterior of the enclosure.

In some examples, the platform of the base defines an input port. Inother examples, a sleeve of an anchor member extends outwardly from theplatform to define the input port. In one example, the management frameis detachable from the base to facilitate accessing the top side of thebase platform and output ports.

A variety of additional inventive aspects will be set forth in thedescription that follows. The inventive aspects can relate to individualfeatures and to combinations of features. It is to be understood thatboth the forgoing general description and the following detaileddescription are exemplary and explanatory only and are not restrictiveof the broad inventive concepts upon which the embodiments disclosedherein are based.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The accompanying drawings, which are incorporated in and constitute apart of the description, illustrate several aspects of the presentdisclosure. A brief description of the drawings is as follows:

FIG. 1 is a front perspective view of an example fiber distributionterminal configured in accordance with the principles of the presentdisclosure;

FIG. 2 is an exploded view of the fiber distribution terminal of FIG. 1;

FIG. 3 is a schematic diagram illustrating one example configuration forthe terminal in which a single input fiber couples to multiple outputfibers;

FIG. 4 is a schematic diagram illustrating another example configurationfor the terminal in which multiple input fibers couple to multipleoutput fibers;

FIG. 5 is a bottom perspective view of a base of the fiber distributionterminal of FIG. 1;

FIG. 6 is a top perspective view of the base loaded with ruggedizedadapters and a ruggedized pass-through assembly in accordance with theprinciples of the present disclosure;

FIG. 7 is a perspective view of an example ruggedized pass-throughassembly configured in accordance with the principles of the presentdisclosure;

FIG. 8 is a perspective view of an anchor member of the ruggedizedpass-through assembly of FIG. 7;

FIG. 9 is another perspective view of the anchor member of FIG. 8;

FIG. 10 is a perspective view of a cover member suitable for mounting tothe anchor member of FIG. 8;

FIG. 11 is another perspective view of the cover member of FIG. 10;

FIG. 12 is a perspective view of an input cable routed through an anchormember in accordance with the principles of the present disclosure;

FIG. 13 shows a sheath shrunk onto the anchor member and input cable ofFIG. 12 and overtubing threaded over the optical fibers in accordancewith the principles of the present disclosure;

FIG. 14 shows a cover mounted to the anchor member of FIG. 13 inaccordance with the principles of the present disclosure;

FIG. 15 is a cross-sectional view taken along a longitudinal axis of thepass-through assembly of FIG. 14 with the cable removed for ease inviewing;

FIG. 16 shows a ruggedized connector and a ruggedized adapter that areexamples of adapter/connector combinations that can be installed in thebase of the enclosures in accordance with the principles of the presentdisclosure;

FIG. 17 is a bottom perspective view of another example base having amonolithically formed anchor member;

FIG. 18 is a top perspective view of the base of FIG. 17 with anotherexample cover shown exploded off the fanout section of the anchor memberof FIG. 17;

FIG. 19 is an enlarged view of a portion of FIG. 18;

FIG. 20 is a bottom perspective view of the example cover of FIG. 18;

FIG. 21 is a top perspective view of the base of FIG. 18 with the covermounted to the anchor member;

FIG. 22 is a longitudinal cross-sectional view of the base, anchormember, and cover of FIG. 21;

FIG. 23 is a top plan view of the base of FIG. 21 with distal end of theanchor member and cover reviewed for ease in viewing; and

FIG. 24 is a perspective view of an example management frame suitablefor use with the base of FIG. 18.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

Reference will now be made in detail to exemplary aspects of the presentdisclosure that are illustrated in the accompanying drawings. Whereverpossible, the same reference numbers will be used throughout thedrawings to refer to the same or like parts.

FIG. 1 is a front perspective view of an example fiber distributionterminal 100 configured in accordance with the principles of the presentdisclosure. The terminal 100 is configured to receive at least one inputfiber carrying optical signals and at least two output fibers thatreceive the optical signals. The terminal 100 encloses and protects theoptical coupling between the input and output fibers.

As shown in FIG. 2, the terminal 100 includes a housing 111 having aheight H, a width W, and a primary depth D. In some implementations, thehousing 111 has a low profile in that the primary depth D is less thanthe height H and the primary depth D is less than the width W. Incertain implementations, the primary depth D is significantly less thanthe width W and significantly less than the height H. For example, incertain implementations, the primary depth D is less than 50% of thewidth W and less than 50% of the height H. In certain implementations,the primary depth D is less than 35% of the width W and less than 40% ofthe height H.

The housing 111 defines a closed end opposite an open end 112 that aredefined by the width W and depth D of the housing 111. The housing 111defines a hollow interior accessible through the open end 112. Incertain implementations the housing 111 can expand outwardly towards theopen end 112. Accordingly, the housing 111 can have a greater width anddepth at the open end 112 than at the closed end. The housing 111 alsoincludes one or more mounting brackets 113 for securing the enclosure110 to a wall, pole, or other surface.

A base 120 mounts to the housing 111 at the open end 112 of the housing111 to close the hollow interior. In the example shown, the base 120includes a body 121 having a first side defining a platform and a secondside. The platform faces the hollow interior of the housing 111 when thebase 120 is mounted to the housing 111. The platform defines a channel122 in which a gasket (e.g., rubber, foam, gel, etc.) seats to seal thebody 121 to the housing 111. In certain implementations, the body 121defines cutouts 128 that accommodate bracket flanges 113 extendoutwardly from the housing 111 (see FIG. 5).

The base platform defines input and output cable ports 123, 124 at whichthe optical fibers enter and leave the enclosure 110. For example, thebase 120 defines at least one input port 123 and at least two outputports 124 extending through the body 121. The housing 111 can includelabels 108 that identify each output port 124 (FIG. 1). An input cable190 (e.g., a feed cable) can be routed to the input port 123 of the base120 and multiple output cables 185 (e.g., drop cables) can be routed tothe output ports 124 of the base 120. Each port 123, 124 is surroundedat the bottom of the base 120 by a short wall 125 (see FIG. 5) that isspaced radially outwardly from the port 123, 124 to provide a recessedsurface 126 around the port 123, 124 (see FIG. 5). As will be describedin more detail herein, a gasket (e.g., an O-ring) can be provided at therecessed surface 126 to seal the cables 190, 185 to the base 120.

Referring back to FIGS. 1 and 2, a cover 130 can be mounted to theenclosure 110 to inhibit access to cable connections made at the base120. The cover 130 can be connected to the housing 110 so that the cover130 moves relative to the housing 110 to allow access to the cableconnection locations. In some implementations, the cover 130 isconfigured to move (e.g., pivot) between a closed position inhibitingaccess to the base 120 and an open position allowing access to the base120. In other implementations, the cover 130 is removable from theenclosure 110 to provide access to the base 120. In certainimplementations, the cover 130 can be locked in the closed positionrelative to the enclosure 110 (e.g., by a keyed lock).

In the example shown, the cover 130 includes two side walls 132extending rearwardly from a front plate 131. The cover 130 defines anopen bottom 135 through which the cables 190, 185 pass. The cover 130also defines an open back and an open top. Pivot pins 134 are disposedon flanges 133 extending upwardly from the cover 130. The pivot pins 134mate with slots 114 defined by the enclosure housing 111 to enablepivoting the cover 130 relative to the housing 111. The front plate 131defines an opening 136 that aligns with an opening defined in aretention flange 129 of the base 120 when the cover 130 is in the closedposition. The cover 130 can be locked in the closed position byinserting a fastener, a lock, or other structure through these openings.

A management frame 140 is coupled to the base 120 and extends into thehollow interior of the enclosure 110. In the example shown, retainingstructures 127 are disposed on the base body 121. The management frame140 can be releasably attached to the retaining structures 127. Theoptical fibers disposed within the enclosure 110 are routed over andorganized at the management frame 140. In certain implementations, oneor more telecommunications components (e.g., optical splitters, opticalsplices, storage spools, etc.) can be disposed on the frame 130.

FIG. 3 is a schematic diagram illustrating one example configuration forthe terminal 100. In this configuration, a single input fiber 195 isoptically coupled to multiple output fibers 185. In someimplementations, one or more optical splitters 105 are disposed withinthe enclosure 110. For example, the splitters 105 can be mounted to themanagement panel 140. Each splitter 105 receives an input fiber 195 andsplits optical signals from the input fiber 195 to splitter pigtails 186having connectorized ends 187. Splitter pigtails 186 extend outwardlyfrom the splitter 105 to carry the optical signals split from the inputfiber 195. The splitter pigtails 186 are terminated at opticalconnectors 187 that are routed to optical adapters 180 disposed at theoutput ports 124. Connectorized output cables 185 can be plugged intothe optical adapters 180 from an exterior of the enclosure 110.

In some implementations, the input cable 190 is anchored at the inputport 123; and the input fiber 195 is routed within the enclosure 110from the input port 123 to the splitter 105. In other implementations,the input cable 190 is terminated at a connector that is plugged into anoptical adapter disposed at the input port 123. A splitter input pigtailis routed within the enclosure 110 between the optical adapter and thesplitter 105. In other implementations, the input fiber 195 can bespliced to a splitter input fiber.

FIG. 4 is a schematic diagram illustrating another example configurationfor the terminal 100. In this configuration, multiple fibers of an inputcable 190 are optically coupled to multiple fibers of output cables 185.The input cable 190 is routed to the cable port 123 defined in the base120. A pass-through assembly 150 is arranged at the input cable 190 toanchor the input cable 190 to the base 120 as described in more detailherein. Input optical fibers 195 extend away from the pass-throughassembly 150 within the enclosure 110 and are spliced to pigtails 188having connectorized ends 189 that are plugged into the optical adapters180 at the output ports 124 of the base 120. The splicing can take placeat a splice tray or splice module 141 supported on the manager 140.

In other implementations, the input cable 190 can include multiple inputfibers 195 terminated by a multi-fiber connector. The multi-fiberconnector of the input cable 190 can be plugged into an external port ofa multi-fiber adapter disposed at the input port 123. In some suchimplementations, an internally disposed cable can include multipleoptical fibers terminated at a first end by a multi-fiber connector(e.g., an MPO connector) and terminated at a second end by individualsingle optical connectors (e.g., SC connectors, LC connectors, LX.5connectors, etc.). The multi-fiber connector at the first end of theinternally disposed cable can be plugged into an internal port of themulti-fiber adapter and the connectorized second ends can be pluggedinto internal ports of the optical adapters 180 disposed at the outputports 124 of the base 120.

In accordance with some aspects, the cables 190, 185 are coupled to thebase 120 using ruggedized adapters 180 and/or ruggedized pass-throughassemblies 150. The term “ruggedized” means that the component (e.g.,adapter, pass-through assembly, etc.) is sealed against the surroundingenvironment to protect the optical fibers disposed within the component.Example ruggedized adapters 180 include DLX adapters that are disclosedin more detail in U.S. Pat. No. 7,744,288, the disclosure of which ishereby incorporated by reference herein.

As shown at FIG. 16, the ruggedized adapters 180 can include both outerports 300 that receive ruggedized connectors 302 terminating cables 185and inner ports 304 that receive the connectorized ends 187, 189 of thepigtails 186, 188. The ruggedized adapters 180 can include alignmentsleeves 306 for aligning the ferrules of the connectors desired to beoptically coupled together. Each adapter 180 can include a nut 308 thatthreads on the main body of the adapter 180 to secure the adapter 180 ata given port 124. Each adapter 180 includes a seal 310 that fits on therecessed surface 126 of the corresponding port 124 to seal the adapter180 relative to the base 120. The removable nature of the base 120relative to the housing 111 combined with the flat platform at the topof the base 120 and the removable configuration of the manager 140facilitates accessing the nuts 308 during installation of the adapters180 on the base 120.

FIGS. 6-7 illustrate one example ruggedized pass-through assembly 150configured to secure the input cable 190 to the base 120. As shown inFIG. 7, the ruggedized pass-through assembly 150 includes an anchormember 151 and a cover 162. The anchor member 151 includes a threadedsection 153 extending outwardly from a retention flange 152. A fanoutsection 154 extends outwardly from the threaded section 153. The cover162 mounts to the fanout section 154 to provide opening through whichoptical input fibers 195 are routed.

A gasket (e.g., an O-ring) 160 is disposed around the threaded section153 of the anchor member 151 to attach the pass-through assembly 150 tothe base 120. The anchor member 151 is inserted through the input port123 from the bottom of the base 120 so that the gasket 160 seats in therecessed surface 126 and the retention flange 152 abuts the bottomsurface of the base body 121. The threaded section 153 of the anchormember 151 extends through the input port 123. A nut 161 is threadedonto the threaded section 153 to clamp the base body 121 between the nut161 and the retention flange 152. The gasket 160 inhibits water, dirt,or other contaminants from entering the enclosure 110 through the inputport 123. The removable nature of the base 120 relative to the housing111 combined with the flat platform at the top of the base 120 and theremovable configuration of the manager 140 facilitates accessing thenuts 161 during installation of the adapters 180 on the base 120.

FIGS. 8-9 illustrate an example anchor member 151 suitable for use withthe ruggedized pass-through assembly 150. The anchor member 151 extendslongitudinally from a first end to a second end. The anchor member 151includes a sleeve 158 extend outwardly from the retention flange 152away from the threaded section 153. A distal end 159 of the sleeve 158defines the first end of the anchor member 151. The distal end 159tapers radially inwardly as the sleeve 158 extends away from the flange152. The fanout section 154 defines the second end of the anchor member151. The anchor member 151 defines a longitudinal passage extending fromfirst end to the second end.

In some implementations, the fanout section 154 defines an open topleading to an interior channel 155 that defines part of the longitudinalpassage through the anchor member 151. In the example shown, the fanoutsection 154 has a semi-circular transverse cross-section. The fanoutsection 154 includes mounting structure that is configured to mate withmounting structure on the cover 162 as will be described herein. In theexample shown, the mounting structure includes slots 156 defined alongthe channel 155 and an opening 157 extending through the fanout section154.

FIGS. 10-11 illustrate an example cover 162 suitable for use with theruggedized pass-through assembly 150. The cover 162 includes a body 163that is configured to extend over the open top of the fanout section154. The cover 162 also includes a separator 164 coupled to the coverbody 163. The separator 164 is shaped to fit in the channel 155 at thesecond end of the anchor member 151. The separator 164 defines notches165 that cooperate with the fanout section 154 of the anchor member 151to define the openings through which the optical input fibers 195 can berouted (e.g., see FIG. 14) from the longitudinal passage.

The cover 162 includes a rear flange 169 configured to extend within aninterior of the threaded section 153 when the cover 162 is mounted tothe anchor member 151. The rear flange 169 has a rear surface 169 a. Thecover 162 also includes bottom flanges 172 that are configured to extendinto the interior of the fanout section 154 when the cover 162 ismounted to the anchor member 151. The cover 162 also includes mountingstructure that is configured to mate with the mounting structure of thefanout section 154. In the example shown, the mounting structure of thecover 162 includes snap-flanges 173 extending outwardly from the bottomflanges 172 and a post 166 extending downwardly from the separator 164.The snap-flanges 173 are configured to mate with the slots 156 definedin the channel 155 of the fanout section 154. The post 166 is configuredto extend into the opening 157 defined in the fanout section 154.

The cover 162 also includes a contoured section 167 that extends fromthe cover body 163 to the outer edge of the threaded section 153 of theanchor member 151. Accordingly, mounting the cover 162 to the fanoutsection 154 encloses the channel 155 to form a potting region within thepass-through assembly 150. The rear flange 159 extends outwardly fromthe contoured section 167 (FIG. 11). A through opening 171 defined inthe cover body 163 leads to the potting region. The contoured section167 also defines a notch 168 that laterally aligns with a throughopening 170 defined through the rear flange 159. When the cover 162 ismounted to the anchor member 151, the notch 168 and through opening 170provide an egress for air to enable injection of adhesive into thepotting region via the through opening 171.

In use, the input cable 190 is secured to the pass-through assembly 150,which is secured to the base 120. FIGS. 12-14 illustrate the steps insecuring the input cable 190 to the pass-through assembly 150. In theexample shown, the input cable 190 includes multiple fibers 195surrounded by a buffer tube 193 and strength members (e.g., aramidyarns) 197, which are surrounded by a jacket 191. In otherimplementations, the input cable 190 can include a single optical fiber195. In still other implementations, the strength members 197 can beembedded within the jacket 191. The input cable 190 is prepared byremoving a portion of the jacket 191 from the end of the cable 190. Theend of the prepared cable is inserted through a sheath 175 (FIG. 12).

As shown in FIG. 12, the input cable 190 is routed into the anchormember 151 via the sleeve 158 so that a portion of the cable jacket 191extends at least partially into the sleeve 158. The strength members 197and buffer tube 193 extends past the jacket 191 through the threadedsection 153. At least the strength members 197 extend into the channel155 defined by the fanout section 154. The optical fibers 195 extendpast the fanout section 154.

The sheath 175 is positioned so that a portion of the sheath 175 extendsover the sleeve 158 and a portion of the sheath 175 extends over thecable jacket 191. In certain implementations, the sheath 175 ispositioned to abut the retention flange 152. The sheath 175 can have ashape memory construction. In some implementations, the sheath 175shrinks when exposed to heat. For example, heat can be applied (e.g.,using a heat gun) to the sheath 175 to shrink the sheath 175 onto thesleeve 158 and jacket 191 to secure the jacket 191 to the anchor member151 (see FIG. 13). In an example, the sheath 175 can include an interioradhesive layer. In other implementations, the sheath 175 can becold-shrunk to the sleeve 158 and jacket 191. For example, a supportingremovable core can be removed from an elastic sheath 175 to release thesheath 175 to return to an original shape.

FIG. 13 also shows the optical fibers 195 inserted into overtubing 176.The overtubing 176 protect the optical fibers 195 as the fibers 195 arerouted through the enclosure 110. In some implementations, each opticalfiber 195 has a diameter of about 250 μm and each overtubing 176 has adiameter of about 900 μm. In other implementations, the fibers 195 andovertubing can be any desired size.

As shown in FIG. 14, the cover 162 is mounted to the fanout section 154of the anchor member 151 to enclose the strength members 197 of theinput cable 190 within the potting region. For example, the rear flange169 is inserted within the threaded region 153 and the bottom flange 172is pushed into the fanout section channel 155. The overtubing 176 arerouted out of the potting region through the openings defined by thenotches 165 of the separator 164.

As shown in FIG. 15, adhesive (e.g., potting compound, resin, etc.) canbe applied to the potting region via the through-opening 171 (see arrowA). For example, the adhesive can be applied using a syringe. During theinjection, air escapes from the potting region via a path defined by theopening 170 and notch 168 in the cover 162. The adhesive coats thestrength members 197 to adhere the strength members 197 to thepass-through assembly 150. In certain implementations, the strengthmembers 197 and overtubing 176 are fully potted within the pottingregion. In other implementations, sufficient adhesive is injected toaffix the strength members 197 to the fanout section 154 and/or cover162 without filling the potting region.

In the example shown in FIG. 15, the anchor member 151 includes a flange174 that extends outwardly from the retention flange 152 and into aninterior of the threaded section 153. The flange 174 is positioned anddimensioned to approach or abut the rear surface 169 a of the cover rearflange 169. Accordingly, the flange 174 and cover rear surface 169 acooperate to reduce an interior volume of the potting region within thepass-through assembly 150.

FIGS. 17-24 illustrate another example base 220 and another exampleruggedized pass-through assembly 250 suitable for use with the fiberdistribution terminal 100 or similar fiber distribution terminal. Insome implementations, the base 220 includes a low-rise wall 246 thatsurrounds the pass-through assembly 250. In certain implementations, thewall 246 also surrounds the output ports 224 defined in the base body221. In examples, the wall 246 is sufficiently low-rise to not inhibitaccess to the ports 224 or adapters 180 mounted at the ports 224. Incertain examples, the wall 246 defines a channel 222 in which a gasket245 seats. The gasket 245 seals against the housing 111 (or otherhousing). In certain examples, one or more latches 228 extend outwardlyfrom the wall 246 and/or from the base 220 to latch to the housing 111(or other housing) to secure the housing 111 to the base 220.

In accordance with some aspects, the cables 190, 185 are coupled to thebase 220 using ruggedized adapters 180 and/or ruggedized pass-throughassemblies 250. For example, ruggedized adapters 180 can be mounted atthe output ports 224 of the base 220. As noted above, the ruggedizedadapters 180 can include both outer ports 300 that receive ruggedizedconnectors 302 terminating cables 185 and inner ports 304 that receivethe connectorized ends 187, 189 of the pigtails 186, 188. The ruggedizedadapters 180 can include alignment sleeves 306 for aligning the ferrulesof the connectors desired to be optically coupled together. Each adapter180 can include a nut 308 that threads on the main body of the adapter180 to secure the adapter 180 at a given port 224. Each adapter 180includes a seal 310 that fits about the corresponding port 224 to sealthe adapter 180 relative to the base 220. The removable nature of thebase 220 relative to the housing 111 combined with the relatively flator low-rise platform at the top of the base 220 and the removableconfiguration of the manager 240 facilitates accessing the nuts 308during installation of the adapters 180 on the base 220.

In accordance with some aspects of the disclosure, a portion of theruggedized pass-through assembly 250 is monolithically formed with aportion of the base 220. For example, an anchor member 251 of thepass-through assembly 250 can be monolithically formed with a body 221of the base 220. A fanout section 252 of the anchor member 251 extendsfrom a first side of the base 220 (see FIG. 18) and a sleeve 253 of theanchor member 251 extends from a second side of the base 220 (see FIG.17).

The anchor member 251, which has a length L, defines a passage 254 thatextends through the anchor member 251 and through the base 220. Thepassage 254 has a first transverse cross-dimension CD1 at the first end,a second transverse cross-dimension CD2 at the second end, and a thirdtransverse cross-dimension CD3 at an intermediate location along thelength L. A distal end of the sleeve 253 defines a cable input port 223that leads to the passage 254. As shown in FIG. 22, the sleeve 253defines a first section 254 a of the passage 254 and the fanout section252 defines a second section 254 b of the passage 254. A cover 260 canbe mounted to the fanout section 252 to further define the secondsection 254 b of the passage 254 (e.g., see FIG. 22). Epoxy or otherpotting material can be disposed between the anchor member (251) and thebase (260) to seal the cable (190) to the base (220).

In the example shown, the cover 260 includes guides 264 that defineguide passageways 265 and the fanout section 252 of the anchor member251 includes rails 255 that are configured to slide through the guidepassageways 265 when the cover 260 is mounted to the fanout section 252.In examples, the cover 260 includes a rear flange 266 that abuts againstthe first side of the base 220. In other examples, the cover 260 can beotherwise mounted to the fanout section 252.

The fanout section 252 includes one or more separators 256 extendinginto the passage 254. The separator(s) 256 divides a portion of thepassage 254 into two or more channels 257 at a distal end of the fanoutsection 252. In examples, distal ends of the separator(s) 256 define camsurfaces 258. In the example shown, four separators 256 extend into thepassage 254 to define four channels 257 (e.g., see FIG. 19). In otherexamples, however, a greater or lesser number of separators 256 canextend into the passage 254 and form a greater or lesser number ofchannels 257. In the example shown, the separator(s) 256 are disposed ata position recessed axially inwardly from the distal end of the fanoutsection 252. One or more notches 259 are cut into the distal end of thefanout section 252. The notches 259 axially align with two of thechannels 257 defined by the separators 256. In the example shown, thefanout section 252 defines two notches 259 that align with the outer twochannels 257 defined by the separators 256.

The cover 260 includes a body 261 that extends axially over the fanoutsection 252 of the anchor member 251. The guides 264 are disposed atopposite sides of the body 261 that receive the rails 255 of the fanoutsection 252 of the anchor member 251. The body 261 includes a frontflange 262 that extends across the passage 254 when the cover 260 ismounted to the fanout section 252. In the example shown, the frontflange 262 is disposed between the separators 256 and the distal end ofthe anchor section 252. The front flange 262 defines one or more notches263 that axially align with one or more of the channels 257 defined bythe separators 256. In the example shown, the front flange 262 definestwo notches 263 that align with the inner two channels 257 defined bythe separators 256. Accordingly, the aligned channels 257 and notches263 form passages out of the pass-through assembly 250.

In some implementations, the cover 260 includes an injection port 267that leads between the passage 254 and an exterior of the pass-throughassembly 250. Epoxy or other material can be injected or otherwiseinserted into at least the second section 254 b of the passage 254 viathe injection port 267. In certain examples, the epoxy or other materialalso can be inserted into the first section 254 a of the passage 254 viathe injection port 267. In certain examples, a funnel 268 leads to theinjection port 267.

In use, the input cable 190 is secured to the pass-through assembly 250.The input cable 190 is prepared by removing a portion of the jacket 191from the end of the cable 190. The end of the prepared cable is insertedthrough a sheath 175 (FIG. 12) and into the cable port 223 of the sleeve253 of the anchor member 251. The strength members 197 and opticalfibers 195 extend through the sleeve 253 past the jacket 191 and intothe anchor section 252 of the pass-through assembly 250.

The strength members 197 extend into one or more of the channels 257defined by the separators 256 at the fanout section 252. For example,the strength members 197 can be routed through the outermost channels257 and through the notches 259. In an example, the strength members 197are clamped between the fanout section 252 and the cover 260. In anexample, the strength members 197 protrude outwardly from thepass-through assembly 250. The optical fibers 195 extend past the fanoutsection 252. For example, the optical fibers 195 can be routed throughthe inner channels 257 and through the notches 263 in the cover 260 toextend out of the pass-through assembly 250. In examples, the opticalfibers 195 can be upjacketed using overtubing 176.

Adhesive (e.g., potting compound, resin, etc.) can be injected orotherwise inserted into the passage 254 of the pass-through assembly 250via the injection port 267. For example, the adhesive can be appliedusing a syringe. The adhesive coats the strength members 197 to adherethe strength members 197 to the pass-through assembly 150. In certainimplementations, the strength members 197 and overtubing 176 are fullypotted within the fanout section 252. In other implementations,sufficient adhesive is injected to affix the strength members 197 to thefanout section 252 and/or cover 260 without filling the fanout section.In certain examples, sufficient adhesive to fill at least a portion ofthe sleeve 253 in addition to at least a portion of the fanout section252 is injected through the port 267.

The sheath 175 is used to secure the cable jacket 191 to the anchormember 251. The sheath 175 is positioned so that a portion of the sheath175 extends over the sleeve 253 and a portion of the sheath 175 extendsover the cable jacket 191. The sheath 175 can have a shape memoryconstruction. In some implementations, the sheath 175 shrinks whenexposed to heat. For example, heat can be applied (e.g., using a heatgun) to the sheath 175 to shrink the sheath 175 onto the sleeve 253 andthe jacket 191 to secure the jacket 191 to the anchor member 251. In anexample, the sheath 175 can include an interior adhesive layer. In otherimplementations, the sheath 175 can be cold-shrunk to the sleeve 253 andthe jacket 191. For example, a supporting removable core can be removedfrom an elastic sheath 175 to release the sheath 175 to return to anoriginal shape.

The optical fibers 195 can be routed from the pass-through assembly 250to an example management frame 240 (FIG. 24) that couples to the base220. For examples, input optical fibers 195 can extend away from thepass-through assembly 250 within the enclosure 110 and be spliced topigtails 188 having connectorized ends 189 that are plugged into opticaladapters 180 at the output ports 224 of the base 220. The splicing cantake place at a splice tray or splice module (e.g., splice module 141 ofFIG. 4) supported on the manager 240.

In certain examples, the wall 246 defines one or more recesses (e.g.,channels, wells, etc.) 247 sized to receive insertion flanges 243 of themanagement frame 240. In certain examples, the management frame 240defines a ledge 244 that faces away from the recesses 247. In theexample shown, the wall 246 includes one or more latching fingers 2548that are configured to snap over the ledge 244 when the management frame240 is coupled to the wall 246. The optical fibers 195 can be routedfrom the pass-through assembly 250 to management structures (e.g., acable spool 242) of the management frame 240.

The above specification, examples and data provide a completedescription of the manufacture and use of the composition of theinvention. Since many embodiments of the invention can be made withoutdeparting from the spirit and scope of the invention, the inventionresides in the claims hereinafter appended.

LIST OF REFERENCE NUMERALS AND CORRESPONDING FEATURES

-   100 fiber distribution terminal-   105 splitter-   108 labels-   110 enclosure-   111 housing-   H height-   W width-   D primary depth-   112 open end-   113 mounting brackets-   114 slots-   120 base-   121 body-   122 channel-   123 input cable port-   124 output cable port-   125 short wall-   126 recessed surface-   127 retaining structures-   128 cutouts-   129 retention flange-   130 cover-   131 front plate-   132 side walls-   133 flanges-   134 pivot pins-   135 open bottom-   136 opening-   140 management frame-   141 splice module-   150 pass-through assembly-   151 anchor member-   152 retention flange-   153 threaded section-   154 fanout section-   155 channel-   156 slots-   157 opening-   158 sleeve-   159 distal end-   160 gasket-   161 nut-   162 cover-   163 body-   164 separator-   165 notches-   166 post-   167 contoured section-   168 notch-   169 rear flange-   169 a rear surface-   170 through-opening-   171 through-opening-   172 bottom flanges-   173 snap-flanges-   174 flange-   175 sheath-   176 overtubing-   180 ruggedized adapters-   185 output cables-   186 splitter pigtail-   187 optical connector-   188 pigtails-   189 optical connector-   190 input cable-   191 jacket-   193 buffer tube-   195 input fiber-   197 strength members-   220 base-   221 body-   222 channel-   223 input cable port-   224 output cable port-   227 retaining structures-   228 latches-   229 retention flange-   240 management frame-   242 spool-   243 flanges-   244 ledge-   245 gasket-   246 wall-   247 recesses-   248 latching fingers-   250 pass-through assembly-   251 anchor member-   252 fanout section-   253 sleeve-   254 passage-   255 rails/wings-   256 separators-   257 channels-   258 cammed surfaces-   259 notches-   260 cover-   261 body-   262 front flange-   263 notches-   264 guides-   265 guide passages-   266 engagement flange-   267 injection port-   268 funnel-   300 outer port-   302 ruggedized connector-   304 inner ports-   306 alignment sleeves-   308 nut-   310 seal

What is claimed is:
 1. An optical arrangement having a length extending between a first end and a second end, the optical arrangement comprising: an anchor member defining a passage extending along the length between the first end and the second end, the passage defining an open-faced channel at the second end, the passage having a first transverse cross-dimension at the first end, a second transverse cross-dimension at the second end, and a third transverse cross-dimension at an intermediate location along the length, the third transverse cross-dimension being smaller than the first transverse cross-dimension and the second transverse cross-dimension, the anchor member also carrying first and second rails extending outwardly from the open-faced channel in opposite directions; and a cover member that couples to the anchor member to cover the open-faced channel to form an interior, the cover member defining an injection port leading to the interior, the cover member also defining guide channels that extend along the cover member in parallel to the length of the optical arrangement, the guide channels being sized and configured to receive the first and second rails to hold the cover member to the anchor member.
 2. The optical arrangement of claim 1, wherein the anchor member also includes a retaining structure disposed between the open-faced channel and the third transverse cross-dimension.
 3. The optical arrangement of claim 2, wherein the retaining structure includes a plurality of outwardly extending retention members.
 4. The optical arrangement of claim 3, wherein the retention members include latches.
 5. The optical arrangement of claim 1, further comprising a funnel leading to the injection port.
 6. The optical arrangement of claim 5, wherein the funnel extends upwardly from a flat top surface of the cover member.
 7. The optical arrangement of claim 1, wherein the anchor member is tapered inwardly at the second end.
 8. The optical arrangement of claim 7, wherein the passage is fully enclosed at the first end.
 9. The optical arrangement of claim 1, wherein the passage is fully enclosed between the first transverse cross-dimension and the third transverse cross-dimension.
 10. The optical arrangement of claim 1, wherein the anchor member has a largest transverse cross-dimension at a location between the open-faced channel and the first end of the optical arrangement.
 11. The optical arrangement of claim 1, wherein the passage is rounded at the first end.
 12. The optical arrangement of claim 1, wherein the passage defines a first section extending between the first end of the optical arrangement and the open-faced channel; and wherein a bottom of the open-faced channel steps down from the first section of the passage.
 13. The optical arrangement of claim 1, further comprising an optical cable including an optical fiber surrounded by a jacket, the jacket having a terminated end so that a portion of the optical fiber extends beyond the terminated end, the optical cable being disposed within the anchor member so that the jacketed portion of the cable extends into the passage from the second end of the optical arrangement and the optical fibers extend through the open-faced channel and past the first end of the optical arrangement.
 14. The optical arrangement of claim 13, wherein the optical cable includes strength members that extend into the passage through the second end of the optical arrangement and are secured to the anchor member.
 15. The optical arrangement of claim 14, wherein the strength members are adhesively fixed within the anchor member.
 16. The optical arrangement of claim 13, further comprising a sheath having a first portion extending over the jacket of the optical cable and a second portion extending over the second end of the anchor member, the sheath having a shape memory construction.
 17. The optical arrangement of claim 1, wherein the guide channels extend along a full length of the cover member.
 18. The optical arrangement of claim 17, wherein the rails extend along a full length of the open-faced channel.
 19. The optical arrangement of claim 1, wherein the first end of the optical arrangement is a different shape than the second end.
 20. The optical arrangement of claim 1, wherein the cover member includes a front flange that extends across the first end of the passage when the cover member is mounted to the anchor member. 